Spend a day in Kannapolis, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do
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Drive about 30 minutes northeast from Charlotte, or hop on the train for roughly 20 minutes, and you'll land in downtown Kannapolis, a former textile town that's remaking itself around baseball, walkability and a revived main street.
Why it matters: Kannapolis' comeback didn't happen by chance. After the textile industry collapsed and downtown emptied out, the city bought up much of it in a bold move to reshape the area.
Flashback: J.W. Cannon bought the land now known as Kannapolis in 1906 and launched Cannon Manufacturing in 1908.
- By 1914, Cannon was known as the world's largest producer of sheets and towels, and the company built much of the surrounding community, including homes and amenities for mill workers.
- After years of ownership changes and layoffs, Pillowtex shut down in 2003 in what became the largest one-day layoff in North Carolina history, dealing a crushing blow to the community and its downtown.
- In 2015, the city purchased eight blocks of downtown properties and buildings for $7.5 million. Many of the former mill buildings were torn down in order to revitalize the area.
What they're saying: "We have over 60 shops in and around our downtown now that are active, and the businesses are doing great ... we're proud to have them here," Kannapolis City Manager Wilmer Melton tells Axios.
Zoom in: Today's downtown is anchored by Atrium Health Ballpark and the West Avenue district, where restaurants, entertainment and public spaces now sit on or near land once dominated by the mill.
- Melton describes Kannapolis as a place trying to "repeat history" in a new form: creating a city where people can grow up, leave for school and still have opportunities to come back and live and work.
The big picture: As Charlotte grows more expensive and crowded, places like Kannapolis are absorbing that demand. Kannapolis is part of a broader boom across Cabarrus County, where towns like Concord and Mount Pleasant are seeing new investment, small businesses and population growth.
What we're watching: More growth is on the way, including the Millstone development, with a Harris Teeter–anchored mixed-use development, new townhomes near downtown, and a planned visitor center and history museum in the former Wells Fargo building.
Here are a few ideas to spend a day in downtown Kannapolis:
Food & Beverage
Towel City Tavern: Two-story restaurant and tap room built into the ballpark with views of the field, smoked comfort food, a strong bourbon list and beer from Cabarrus Brewing. Pro tip: Go upstairs for a birds-eye view of the stadium.
The Bank Food Hall: A central, multi-vendor food hall with plenty of seating — ideal if your group can't agree on one spot.
Gaelic Alley Irish Pub: Traditional Irish pub in the West Avenue Social District with live music and TVs for sports.
Things to do
Atrium Health Ballpark: Home of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and the anchor of downtown. Even during the offseason, you'll see people inside the ballpark because it's open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Dale Earnhardt Plaza: A quick photo stop honoring the NASCAR legend in his hometown.
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame: Free museum honoring musicians with ties to North Carolina, located inside the Curb Museum for Music and Motorsports. Pro tip: Despite its proximity to downtown, you're better off driving and parking here.
The Swanee Theatre: Restored historic theater turned live entertainment venue hosting concerts, comedy and events (including the Kannapolis Jazz Festival). Upcoming events.
Gem Theatre: Open since 1936, this historic single-screen theater still hosts movies, events, and $2 summer matinees on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 26-Aug. 6.
Thursdays on Main: A free outdoor concert series held at Veterans Park, kicking off May 7 and typically run through September. Expect beach music, cover bands and local favorites. Shows start in the early evening and are an easy add-on to dinner or drinks downtown.
Movies in the Park: A free, family-friendly movie series held at Village Park every Friday at 8:45pm starting May 22. Films begin at dusk, with popular, kid-friendly titles shown on a large outdoor screen. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Concert in the Park: Also happening at Village Park, this free concert series kicks off June 6 with Cheap Trick. Other upcoming acts include Josh Turner on June 20, Charlotte Symphony on June 27 with fireworks, Four Tops on July 11 and Andy Grammer on Aug. 8.
Retail
Marketplace on Main: A 40,000-square-foot antique and vintage mall with 200+ vendors across two floors.
West Avenue shops: The stretch around the ballpark is lined with locally owned boutiques, gift shops and small retailers.
- Find a full list of downtown businesses and events at westavedistrict.com.
Go deeper: Looking for more day trips from Charlotte? Check out our guides to Asheville, Mount Airy, Crystal Coast, Durham and Greenville